Things Snowball

by Rich Hall

Rich Hall plumps up the cushions, sets out a few drinks and invites us into his world. He describes his idyllic childhood in Eastern Tennessee, helping to operate his grandfolks' backyard nuclear plant. He explains how he sold his soul to the Devil to make him a better bluesman, and how the Devil tried to sell it back. And he reveals what happened when Neil Diamond invited him to dinner, and more importantly, why he had to wear a hardhat.

Along the way he tackles the questions we've all asked ourselves from time to time, such as, which element did people breath before oxygen was discovered in 1774? (neon.) What's the difference between iron and lead? (There isn't ask anyone who has ever been hit in the head by a length of pipe.) And, if Jesus was a carpenter, "How come not a single example of his craftsmanship exists, not even a crude chest of drawers?" In the tradition of Woody Allen's "Without Feathers", "Things Snowball" is a comic, inventive subversive and entertaining.

Genres: Humor, Nonfiction, Comedy, Short Stories, Biography, The United States Of America, Essays

Paperback

First published October 17, 2002

About the author

Richard Travis Hall is an American comedian, writer, documentary maker, and musician, first coming to prominence as a sketch comedian in the 1980s. He wrote and performed for a range of American networks, in series such as Fridays, Not Necessarily the News (popularising the "sniglet" neologism), and Saturday Night Live.
After winning a Perrier Comedy Award in 2000, using the character of Tennesseean country musician Otis Lee Crenshaw, Hall became popular in the United Kingdom, regularly appearing on QI and similar panel shows. He has created and starred in several series for the BBC, including comedies with Mike Wilmot and documentaries often concerning cinema of the United States. Hall has also maintained a successful stand-up comedy career, as both Crenshaw and himself.

Reviews

[Plum-crazy · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the whole an amusing read that's very difficult to read this without hearing Rich Hall's voice - I can just hear him drawling some of the anecdotes in his dry, sarcastic style.

It wasn't, for me anyhow, the laugh-out-loud book the blurb talked of. Some chapters were much more amusing than others, "Great Jokes Squandered" caused a few sniggers & "Waltzing the Ladder" got a smirk or two & but a couple of others I just didn't really get!

Overall, amusing in parts & easy to pick up & put down as the short chapters make it ideal for reading in-between other stuff as I did.

[Frank Wetzig]

very funny collection of shortstory's i love it

[Karen Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really laugh out loud funny, loved it, a great collection of stories.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book isn't trying to be anything other than amusing. If absurd observations by an intelligent comedian are your bag, give it a go. Perfect for a long journey.

[Sean Keefe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hit and miss; like a dial-a-hooker, it came and went.

[Ian · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very poor.

[Raj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent collection of shaggy-dog stories, anecdotes, travelogues and annotated letters (okay, just the one letter) penned by Rich Hall. From his recollections of being allowed to work his granddad's nuclear reactor when he was a kid (just a small mom-and-pop affair) through an anecdote about the invention of the spatula to his fond recollections of his New Zealand tour, Hall's dry wit and deadpan delivery (even on paper!) make this a joy to read.

The couple of travelogues covering the American West are the only bits of the book which I think might be true. An excellent book, definitely worth reading.

[Adi Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have seen Rich Hall live on two occasions in Southampton. I really enjoy his observational humour that looks at both sides of the UK and USA. His observational humour always makes me laugh and this book is no different. The short story about purchasing a step ladder is brilliant and as you read it you can picture Rich in your head delivering it in the distinct manner he does on stage. If you like his television and stage work then this book is one for your reading list.

[Graceann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please see my detailed review at Amazon.com Graceann's "Things Snowball" Review"

Please click that the review was helpful to you at Amazon so that my rating continues to climb!

A book of (mostly) funny essays from one of my favorite American ex-pats. Not as great as David Sedaris, but certainly a pleasant diversion.

[Steve Chilton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am afraid I was disappointed with Hall's collection of stories, anecdotes, and travelogues. It is a work of (a fairly weird) imagination, with probably a couple of true stories thrown in. Hall has several styles as a writer, exemplified by interesting language and imagery. There's no real links to the stories but through them he runs his brand of humour over his fellow countrymen. Weak overall, though, but with some that were laugh-out-loud funny.

[Terry Clague · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's fine. Holiday fodder. The gap between the real read experience and the endorsements is quite something, mind. Still, I've had this on a to-read pile for well over a decade so it's pleasing to leave it in a cottage near Dundrennan. I'd recommend seeing the man perform live rather than schlepping up here to collect the book.

[Richard Ninnim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny if also very odd American who claims he has made done everything that ever existed, bit weird if you don't have the kind of sense of humour required. Only taken me about 3 years to read lol, I have just given back to the guy who loaned me it.

[David Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laugh out loud funny collection of tales. I especially liked the Great Jokes Squandered chapter and the Dear John Response (anotated) is a work of comic genius.

[Iain Watson]

Things Snowball by Rich Hall (2002)

[Jo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not funny at all. I gave up on this fairly early on.

[MacDara Conroy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of these tales, which flit back and forth between fact and fiction, are hysterically funny. Others, however, are pointless filler. Try before you buy.

[Benedict Reid · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some are great, but most are forgettable. A collection of short, short stories.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some funny bits but pretty average

[Richard Anthony Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny book if you like short stories.

[Cathy Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone in need of a laugh, read this. Short stories by Mr Hall is a joy.

[Ross Whamond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything you would expect from the surreal world of Rich Hall.
Laughed out loud and hurt my face smirking,be warned.

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

The weak parts outnumber the good parts

[TheLittleRedHen]

As funny as his stand up, or maybe funnier! Laughed all the way through. Loved it!

[Fabbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very pleasant, gently humorous book.